Everything You Need to Know: Suzuki V Strom 650

[@timothyangus954]

In 2018 I rode my 2nd Gen around the world, two up. 43,000 miles and no issues. A V engine is inherently balanced unlike a vertical twin.

[@vstrom9586]

You lucky bugger😊Cheers from Canada 🍁

[@mr1bienvenu1]

You are kinda right about the V engine being inherently more balanced than a vertical twin. It applies to a 90 degree V twins like the V-Strom but not other degrees of V-twin.

[@ralphcantrell3214]

I've been riding for 50 years and have owned about 50 bikes, and the Wee-Strom is one of my favorite bikes of all time. I disagree with your assessment that a parallel twin is a smoother engine than the V-Strom's 90 degree V-Twin. Several of the parallel twins I have owned have been among the most tooth-rattling "shakers" ever to grace my garage. None of them were exceptional in this regard. However, my SV650 and second generation Wee-Strom have both been among the smoothest, with just a slight tingling in the bars, which would probably be very cheap and easy to remedy if one became determined to do so. I also love the unique power delivery of the 90 degree twin too. it is good virtually anywhere on the tachometer. Other than that your review is spot on. Thanks for making and posting it.

[@jeanroy3658]

I have the first generation 2008 with abs. Best bike i had , in forty years plus of riding. Paid 6300.$ twelve years later it,still pulling strong.

[@colinstorrar449]

I got a Wee Strom, new last year, having spent the last 10 years on Muscle cruisers, live the V Max and M109R. I got to say I love the Strom. Yes, its not got loads of power but its fast enough to really give a great ride on the twisties. And also, riding a less powerful bike give you the opportunity to use the full potential of the bike, without getting up to crazy, dangerously fast speeds. How many riders use the full power of their 1000cc sport bikes?

[@ralphcantrell3214]

Well said, Colin. As bikers, we usually seek out the twistier, more scenic routes. And with that in mind, it is gobs more fun to be able to ride a lighter, less powerful bike fast than it is to be forced to ride a more powerful but heavier bike slow.

[@ComfyDadShoes]

I totally agree. My TW200 is by far my funnest bike to ride hard. I drive my FJR like a great grandpaw.

[@bassdaze]

exactly... i rode crotch rockets since their inception, young and dumb and thank God I lived through it... been riding since 5 and have for the most part of my life owned one or two bikes at a time, typically sport bike and a 2 stroke... now im 54 i have a drz400 and love it but tbh its really only good for around town and serious trail riding, highway speeds are sketchy and the bike will wear you out in a few hours of riding... been researching the vstrom for a happy compromise...

[@themittonmethod1243]

Have to disagree with your comment on the engine balance - a 90 degree V-twin is always in perfect primary balance, where a parallel twin is only in primary balance if the crankshaft has a 90, 180, or 270 degree piston offset, and still requires a counterbalance shaft to eliminate secondary vibrations, where the 90 degree V-twin already minimizes those secondary vibes by its design.

[@DavidKD2050]

He doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Not worth even debating the issue.

[@thepiedpiper-i7x]

I agree, as an V-Strom 650-DE Gen.2 owner: this dude is talking baloney concerning the engine: acting like he’s an motorcycle engine-engineer!

[@rodneybjornstad9016]

I went from a v4 Honda to 90 degree v twin. I could NOT believe it could be that smooth. Period. Silly smooth. Just think opposite of Harley

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

Vstrom is the best value L-twin. It's like a Multistrada with bulletproof reliability

[@peterpyke1213]

myview on 650 v stom 2016 with beack.my recommended mods. change screen,fit fork brace,lower pegs.michelin road 5,s are amazing,extra tooth on front sproket transforms the bike.i suffered alot of road noise on this bike and this i could not get used to so i experimented with abs plastic.added bits to fairing to push wind away.side panels next to engine.abs section between forks to keep wind from coming up into fairing and lastly covered over all fairing air vents.i now have my perfect bike no more noise wind free.except from my open face helmet..torquey,ultra smooth good acceleration and relaxed cruising.i have no trouble with starting.had a transalp 600 for 20 years.hope i live long enough to run this beauty for 20 years.gear shifting 1st to second i could not master(never had this prob before).i then learned on utube how to change gear.pull gear pedal up fully before you pull the clutch in.so simple.can always learn new things peter (uk)

[@Knapweed]

A 90 degree V-Twin is in perfect primary balance and is far smoother than any parallel twin. If this bike isn't then there is something wrong other than its cylinder configuration. 4:49

[@davidc1961utube]

My wee was my first return to regular riding. I bought it used, kitted it out for adventure, put a lot kilometers on it, and sold it 4 years later for about half what I paid. Great bike to start or restart riding on, with a confidence inspiring seat height. Also bulletproof reliability.

[@sam2920]

Biggest advantage I have noticed with the 650 strom vs the 1000, or any large liter+ adventure bike out there, is that I can pick it up by myself. If I'm out on trails and I go down for some reason, there's gonna be noone around to help me pick it up. This bike is *just* light enough to where I can get it upright myself without getting hurt, and that's a huge plus in my book.

[@rjeepster8640]

I have that exact year model and color. I love it! I was spending over $100 a week in gas with my truck now I spend $10. 12 miles ea way on streets. 58 mpg in the city. So comfy and light in the corners!

[@킴사부]

I own a same model and I have been enjoying my vstrom. Really beautiful bike. 👍 Korean rider

[@MototechWanderer]

It's a pretty expensive motorcycle in my country and I managed to get one of these (2020 model). Totally loving the strom.

[@DosKumaks]

Your Dad’s setup is perfect! All the things I want and it isn’t the new Gen 3 styling. I have a 2004 650, it is my first bike and I am very happy I chose it.

[@UncleWally3]

When I retired from my day job, I sold my BMW RT in ‘09 and, on a lark, I purchased my first ‘Wee. I was impressed; compared to my Beemer and most over bikes I’d owned, the purchase price and cost of ownership was next to nothing. Put 60 000 kilometers on that one, and bought a new ‘12 - that one has over 100 000 kilometers on the odo. In the meantime I bought a new ‘12 which presently has 56 000 kilometers. So far, after being ridden long and hard, I can attest that all three bikes have been more than trustworthy. It’s not the best bike out there, and I wouldn’t want one for my only bike, but - after everything is said and done - they may end up being the best bikes I’ve ever owned.

[@valaudae1809]

That’s very impressive mileages. With your experience have you any tips to ensure long term reliability? Are there any things to look out for?

[@UncleWally3]

@@valaudae1809: One of the problems with not having any problems with the V-Stroms I’ve owned is that you don’t learn any “tips” that keep the bikes rolling - they just work. The only thing I’ve done is rigorously keep to the maintenance schedule, use synthetic oil and . . . well, that’s it. Hardly a tip, but there it is.

[@TheLTCtrainer]

I have a 2015 Vstrom 650 & love it!! So does my wife.

[@alexa3927]

Me too! 😁

[@jeffloucks2120]

Grab closer to the end of the clutch with your 2 fingers when starting. More leverage and no mashing your other fingers.

[@paulrose6359]

Gee, I like the twin analog gauges of the first gen a lot more than the LCD dash.

[@swiftaccuratemaintenanceof171]

You can still keep two fingers under the lever just slide out towards the end of the lever as you pull

[@terryanderson8354]

Did a 1200 miles Western US tour on my 06 Wee with a friend a few years back, and it did everything I asked; mountain passes, interstate, fire trails, gravel...all of it. I was a little concerned about riding hard with that skinny 19 front, but it never let me down. Only mods were grip puppies and a Madstad screen - I'd buy another one tomorrow.

[@waltersmith6100]

There has been a number of great upgrades to these bikes but I MUCH prefer the looks of the first generation

[@nickbenfell4327]

Agree I have an orange 2011 model and it looks great.

[@coconuciferanuts339]

I've got a '17,650strom.Had it almost 3 years & it's got more power than I use by far.Love the 'beak'cos' it just guz.But I've learnt to be careful of stationary centre of gravity,yeah those cylinders run a great torgue balance but with the 20l.tank watch out.When it's rollin' no worries & great in the twisties.

[@RomanSuprotkin]

My V-Storm 2014 starts with 2-finger clutch without any issues.

[@keithburt7874]

Re: Clutch Switch: I took mine apart after I figured out it could be done, put in a Wax Chain Lube from the Bicycle Shop, works easy now. Finally also disassembled the Gas Tank Flap and lubed it as well, easier to just use it now , Peace3ed

[@MrBenHaynes]

That's a very accurate summation of the 650 Strom. Your Dad's a smart man! I'm surprised at how annoying the start procedure is for you. Just use your two finger clutch pull after you start the bike, simples. If the bike was yours, consider bypassing the clutch switch altogether. Cheers.

[@Stevens007one]

My clutch switch was bypassed by the previous owner probably for that reason! ... I didn't realize it had been done until I took it in for new tires and overall check-up at my local independent shop and the tech told me!....LOL ....mine always started with no problems

[@NorthernADV]

Great review! I love my 2010 650 Strom! I recently took it on a 13,000km tour. Great all around bike!

[@GARamblinMan]

Very good review and I appreciate you explaining the difference between the different generations of the V-Stroms. Keep up the good work and ride safe.

[@grantbattison9964]

That was a great review! I just purchased a gen2 model. What a great real world bike!

[@MathieuTechMoto]

Great review, for the clutch switch you could mod it by drill the little screw hole oval allowing the switch to be closer to the lever

[@markh3478]

Really like my V-Strom 650. Gone two up on Tail of the Dragon , Cherohala Highway , Blue Ridge Parkway and some gravel roads. Tried on Musterground which is rocky and rutted. No fun there not enough ground clearance. The PUIG windscreen , Motec side stand foot , Shad top case , Givi crash bars and Suzuki accessory handguards make it pleasant for overnight trips. I sold my V-Strom 1000 and don't regret moving to the 650. Both are stone reliable . For ripping and dual sport let the KTM 300 handle that.

[@mr1bienvenu1]

I just got a 2015 V-Strom 650. Great bike !

[@roninaround6450]

I'm on my second first generation Wee Strom. I still don't like the duckbill on the second generation but prefer the styling of the Third generation most. Still a great all-rounder of a motorcycle!

[@anaisavillada6717]

Great video! That seat looks awesome, is that custom made or available online to buy? Thanks!

[@ErebosOnTwoWheels]

The clutch switch issue is common on all Suzuki models that I've had, I always disable them. The Suzuki kickstand switches are bad about being very sensitive and the kickstand bouncing when you're going over rough surfaces causes the engine to cut out momentarily.

[@ANONYMOUSBIKERUSA]

Nice review bud. Looking at these used for some back roads shenanigans lol.

[@virendradr]

very inspiring and motivating review to own one and be happy driving in the wild..excellent details .thank you sir

[@rogerdepretto440]

Own a DL650 Gen1 travelled around OZ 2up and Outback roads without any problems all required Oil chain.

[@alxx1378]

Hi. I have a 2003 vstrom 1000 bought it 2008 5000 euros. Never opened the motor still going up to 230 and travelled a bit

[@justmyself1000]

Thank You for this! A little coincidence...I currently have a Super Tenere 1200 like your dad. (I'm probably same age as your dad.) It's my 2nd Tenere 1200. I Love the bike, but I feel if I downsized....I would be able to have more fun. Both on and off the road. I have never met an unhappy V-strom owner.

[@silverback802]

I have owned many bikes in my 58 yrs of riding. From triumph to goldwings to moto guzzi and the 650 vstrom is one of the best bikes I have owned. It's a 2014 with 60,000 miles and runs perfect with no breakdowns.

[@gianb3551]

Very nice review. Congrats!

[@o.l.6964]

If i learned anything from Stephen King, that would be to stay away from Maine. Great review though! I ride a 1 gen strom and am in love with this machine!

[@jackshih1511]

Great video!!! Your bike seat looks comfortable, could you advise where you get it ?

[@2wheelin]

Thanks! It's a corbin seat and can be found on their website

[@nickbenfell4327]

I own a 2011 Strom 650 and back up all you say except ....... the clutch issue when starting is a non-issue for me.

[@nikitastritsaris]

A very good presentation I can say. The best v-strom video I ve seen so far. Well done!

[@markmather9223]

Great backrest and seat where can I purchase them for my bike?

[@diggy-d8w]

The point about the clutch & starting...... so can you push start the bike if the battery is dead ? Might be a dumb question but I grew up kick-starting bikes or pushing them in some cases? I like the bike but would hate to pick it up! peace

[@mickleblade]

I owned a gen 1 SV650 waaay back wheb (UK), I linked out the clutch switch with a little brass strip between the terminals of the switch. What is the build quality like these days?it was poor back then

[@VD-iz4nm]

Perfect video. Thank you.

[@dwlawson78]

Of the many reviews of this bike that I have viewed, yours is the most down to earth and believable. Thanks.

[@knightalumni]

The only thing I hate is the seat! I’m happy to find out I’ve got a Corbin seat dealer right up there road in Ormond Beach. Not so happy with the prices though…a seat with a backrest is like $1000…

[@jansmatildasadventures5227]

How much the Corbin seat affect seat height?🤔

[@anuragpaul9119]

A small information I would like to say that whenever you ride the bike in half clutch or change gear in half clutch, then the clutch plate would soon worn out. Be careful.

[@chaseadventure]

Any chance you have a link to the seat you have on there. Great video btw!

[@2wheelin]

No, I’m sorry I don’t. It came on the bike and I’m not sure the specific model

[@chaseadventure]

@@2wheelin Thanks for getting back to me! Bummer it looks nice!

[@mikerolls8534]

Give your clutch lever a small bend just enough for your fingers clear.

[@CultureScreen]

Awesome review. Thank you.

[@kh1487]

My 2020 DL650XA can start in Nutrual without pulling clutch lever. Why is that difference on yours?

[@2wheelin]

I'm not sure. Are you sure your clutch switch is connected? It could be a difference between the gen 2 and gen 3s.

[@timparry5028]

Hi, my gen 3 uk bike starts without pulling the clutch in. Cheers

[@Unfunny_Username_389]

fwiw I had an '04 VanVan and that would not start without the clutch lever pulled.

[@richardhretczak536]

Yes. On 3rd generation no more clutch pulling in order to star the bike.

[@farmoboy83]

@@richardhretczak536 yes suzuki easy start

[@bob7608]

What’s the best site for finding a motorcycle online?

[@CJUSMC33]

Where did you get your seat?

[@CallipHall]

What tank bag is this on your Dad's bike? Much prefer this over my large Givi one.

[@2wheelin]

Dowco fastrax 04739. It's a very barebones bag, but it works.

[@rockyp3917]

Gen 2 looks the best

[@silverback802]

I agree and that is why I still ride my 2014. It has 60,000 trouble free miles and still runs perfect. It's one hell of a bike.

[@PaydayGabeBCNV]

😆lol, too coincidental. I'm a Wee-PO (012 XT) Currently riding a 012 Yamaha Super Tenere,, which I'm sure you know is a great touring machine. Although a big heavy piece 🤷‍♂️. I'm considering going back to the Wee-, , because it's just a down right reliable economical and lighter machine. But I also love the Yamaha FJ09. Thats a brilliant Triple engine. 😫aaah, what to do? Great review 👏👌.

[@valaudae1809]

Around 06:00 ref. is made to the clutch switch. I have the Vstrom 1000 and in 4 years and 20,000 miles and it has only failed me once. It refused to start. An internet search led to me taking the clutch switch off and cleaning it. Problem solved.

[@watcherman65]

Loving My Strom !..

[@capecrusader6932]

I think its funny how the people reviewing these bikes always claim the large CC motorcycles are boring. It would be like saying I drive a Honda Civic because a Dodge Dart Hellcat is too comfortable with all of its self adjusting suspension, ergonomics, comfort, and huge engine displacement. I don't put any motorcycle down because I think there is a bike for every rider but I wouldn't call a bike that is larger, quicker, and more comfortable boring. Most riders don't have the skills to operate motorcycles at their full potential, especially heavier, faster motorcycles that are less forgiving when ridden incorrectly. You can watch good riders at the track take a bone stock ST1300 and stay with many of the faster sport bikes because the rider is proficient in his or her skills. If your rides include a couple thousand miles at a time and you don't like wind and rain protection, than a non fairing bike might be perfect for you. If you like riding through the Rockies at 75 mph, fully loaded with side cases and top box, then you might want a larger displacement bike that will not struggle. On a small cc bike you will definitely start seeing its performance disappear when you load it down. Good review of the bike.

[@VelvetWhore]

Mate,read the manual. The engine cuts out when you lower the stand in gear. Pulling the clutch plate into non gear is a safety fact. I think a Honda C110 is more suited for you.

[@garmit61]

Is that weight the wet weight or dry weight? It sounds heavy for a bike with off road pretentions. 490lbs is heavier than my Benelli 1130 trek Amazonas (460lbs dry). Thanks

[@enginatasoy9874]

V strom gen 2 ile toplam 180 bin km sürdüm. Sadece konjektor arızası yaşadım. Mükemmel motor.

[@simonscott1000]

To start the bike just grab the clutch lever with all four fingers and pull the lever in, stop gimping about.

[@JoseOrtega-xn4mj]

Any automatic like the Suzuki Burgman?

[@2wheelin]

No sir

[@keegannelligan6452]

I ride a strom in Maine!!!

[@ihate_5x108]

Annoyingly, all Suzukis (that I know of) make you pull the clutch all the way in to start them. It didn’t bother me too much when I owned one, but I can see why it bothers some people

[@petebjerkelund5088]

‘16 650XT here. Just move your two knuckles out of the way😉 Thanks for the clip, a good review for someone considering one.

[@zyncarla]

What seat is that

[@mrantone916]

This is the leatherman of motorcycles. Just like a vfr you can’t kill ‘em Like a highlix

[@lastxp]

Do you hate the look of the new v-strom? You can't see how it looks while you are riding it so never get off your bike.

[@jamesvandemark2086]

A differntly contured clutch lever works perfectly, btw. Just sayin.

[@patriotsleepercell4060]

solder the clutch wire together!

[@jberejik]

Gen 1 has better suspension. On the rear you have both damping and preload - they took dampen off the get 2/3

[@je4266]

Great video, once a ktm guy always a ktm guy 😁

[@ainstaink8312]

Great video! I would not be so concerned about pulling the clutch all the way to start as you dont start every 2 minutes...one start takes you miles away...so it is ok to pull the clutch all the way. With the clutch adjustments, there is really no other way to do this.

[@Bok2022st]

I still have my gen 1 and I think gen 1 to be honest with abs is the best one of them all I do not like the new gauges in the upgraded messed around electrical systems on Gen 2 and 3 pacifically stick with the good old gen 1 not a problem I bought mine brand new in 2008 2024 this thing has never missed a beat apart from tyres change sprockets and your basic maintenance not even had any problems with the valves Touchwood

[@g.c.3339]

Hey there, just an observation... just after starting to watch this vid, I changed the playback speed to 1.5 X.... then it sounded normal.

[@2wheelin]

Hey, to each their own. I intentionally pace things slower so it's not rushed. If you prefer to change the speed, no feelings hurt here. I try to produce videos at the same pace I'd enjoy watching. Setting it faster sure makes me look quicker around the turns though! Thanks for the feedback!

[@pateris]

I'm definitely the average V-stromer !

[@chriscahill3667]

Why not use all your fingers to pull the clutch in like you are meant to!

[@2wheelin]

It's a racing thing. I grew up racing motocross, where you keep two fingers on the clutch. This way you still can grip the handlebars with your outer two fingers. If you use all four fingers on the clutch, that hand won't have any control over the handlebars. If you think about it, this makes a lot of sense. Also, most levers are most comfortable when using just a couple fingers not your entire hand.

[@snorman1911]

Using all your fingers is kinda a newbie thing to do IMO.

[@sjbechet1111]

BTW I've never owned a DL650 but the poor observations in this review stood out. Get a Scottoiler and it will require less maintenance than a shaft drive. It's a 90 degree V twin so has perfect primary balance. Saying 'cos its a V twin it is inherently unbalanced' is meaningless - that has everything to do with cylinder angle, crank angle and balance shafts - it suggests you don't know what you are talking about. On the hard pack at a beach or easy fast forest trails it will eat a DRZ400 or WR250. You can't work out how to adjust or defeat the clutch switch...hmmmm.

[@jakestewart7079]

That is a nicely farkled vstrom

[@sercio994]

4:54 WHAT!?

[@dannpd1955]

The music that you are playing in the back ground needs to go away. I would rather just hear you and the bike. Other than that it was a good video.

[@onestallgarage2720]

Wow if the clutch is so hard for you then get a moped.

[@Angry-Lynx]

first minute and already bs; this is not adventure bike, why you try to categorize it as such ; and talk aboot tener 700? thats completely diff bike, not competitor to vstroms

[@ntdscherer]

Did you just say big bikes aren't fun?

[@thepiedpiper-i7x]

Unherently unbalanced? Maybe it’s time for you to claim back your schooling fees?

[@matheff71]

Two fingers on the brake, not the clutch! Why would you do that? You should grab the clutch only when you are changing gears.

[@dejanjovanovic1389]

Sadly it's not good for short riders...

[@KennethEllsworth-wj5dw]

Lowering kits are easy to install and not expensive, I have a 29" inseam

[@cynic150]

the crappy music is a turn off!

[@keithquinn5624]

People live in nyc and buy adventure bike bahhaahha to ride local satrbucks 🤣

[@jonathonwerner5968]

Lol at vtwins being unbalanced. You know nothing

[@martonlerant5672]

Ehh as far as "doing dumb shitnoffroad" goes it needs knobbies, bashplate, and bravery. Sure some longer suspension travelcwould be helpful for crossing rails, but thats it. Its not even remotely asnshit offroad as video suggest. Yes, it aint an offorad racebike (nor is it a road racer), but it will chug along plenty fine so long asmyou replace the stock tyres.

[@VelvetWhore]

Clutch problem? Try using 5 fingers.

[@brucebenioff]

half bright. Pull the clutch in fool

[@LilyCornelius-l2o]

9752 Amalia Divide